Anglo American statement re: Pebble project

Published: September 16, 2013

Anglo American plc (“Anglo American”) announces that its wholly owned US subsidiary Anglo American (US) Pebble LLC (“AA Pebble”) has given notice under the Pebble limited partnership agreement that it is withdrawing from the Pebble copper project in Alaska. The Pebble Limited Partnership (PLP) was created in 2007 between AA Pebble and an affiliate of Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (“Northern Dynasty”), who are equal partners in PLP. Following the withdrawal, PLP will proceed under the sole ownership of Northern Dynasty.

In light of the parties’ shared desire to ensure an orderly exit, the detailed aspects of AA Pebble’s withdrawal from the Pebble project are being developed and implemented.

Anglo American expects to record an impairment charge of $0.3bn at 31 December 2013 on a post-tax basis.

Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said: “Despite our belief that Pebble is a deposit of rare magnitude and quality, we have taken the decision to withdraw following a thorough assessment of Anglo American’s extensive pipeline of long-dated project options. Our focus has been to prioritise capital to projects with the highest value and lowest risks within our portfolio, and reduce the capital required to sustain such projects during the pre-approval phases of development as part of a more effective, value-driven capital allocation model. We wish the project well through its forthcoming permitting process and express our thanks to all those who have supported Pebble and who recognise the opportunities and benefits that such an investment may bring to Alaska.”

Anglo American will provide further updates as appropriate.

Anglo American is one of the world’s largest mining companies, is headquartered in the UK and listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges. Our portfolio of mining businesses meets our customers’ changing needs and spans bulk commodities – iron ore and manganese, metallurgical coal and thermal coal; base metals and minerals – copper, nickel, niobium and phosphates; and precious metals and minerals – in which we are a global leader in both platinum and diamonds. At Anglo American, we are committed to working together with our stakeholders – our investors, our partners and our employees – to create sustainable value that makes a real difference, while upholding the highest standards of safety and responsibility across all our businesses and geographies. The company’s mining operations, pipeline of growth projects and exploration activities span southern Africa, South America, Australia, North America, Asia and Europe.www.angloamerican.com